Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR digital camera : First announced at Photokina 2008, Fujifilm’s new EXR technology makes its first appearance in the new Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR digital camera. Following a long line of famous Super CCD sensors in cameras like the FinePix F10 and FinePix F31fd, the FinePix F200EXR is designed by Fujifilm to be the perfect camera for the photographic enthusiast. Primed to be the class-leading compact of 2009, the Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR utilises brand new, ground-breaking technology to create an unprecedented level of image quality from a consumer level compact.

Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR features a Super CCD
Using the human eye as the basis for the perfect camera sensor, Fujifilm has yet again extended technological boundaries, creating a Super CCD capable of registering excellent levels of detail when switched to its high resolution mode, but at the same time, capable of offering excellent quality in low light and superb highlight detail in contrasty light when switched to its high sensitivity and wide dynamic ranges modes respectively.

Fujifilm F200 EXR digital camera features
In addition to the 12 Megapixel 1/1.6”Super CCD EXR and completely redesigned Real Photo Processor, the FinePix F200 EXR inherits its rich feature set from the FinePix F100fd, which includes a powerful Fujinon 5x wide angle optical zoom lens, a 3.0” high-resolution 230,000 pixel wide view LCD and the most powerful and fast detection technology on the market, Face Detection 3.0, with auto red eye removal. On top of this, the Fujifilm F200EXR offers 6 Film Simulation Modes, HD Photo Output, Dual Image Stabilisation and sensitivity up to ISO 12800 (3 million pixel only). This combination of cutting-edge technology encased within a pocketable digital compact body means that advanced amateur photographers through to professionals will be able to take breathtaking pictures in the most challenging of conditions.

Fujifilm F200EXR equipped with versatile photographic sensor
Faced with a market driven by the demand for higher pixel counts, yet conscious that high concentrations of pixels on small sensors can produce diminishing quality returns, Fujifilm engineers had a radical rethink about sensor technology. Why not make a sensor that can flex its behaviour according to the scene to be photographed? Why not give full resolution when bright light allows, but use the pixels in a different way when the light is not ideal?

Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR camera modes
The Fuji FinePix F200EXR offers 3 modes in one sensor:
• High Resolution mode, which deploys all twelve million pixels, and is designed to offer the finest detail of intricate subjects when light is full and even;
• High Sensitivity and Low Noise mode, which caps two adjacent pixels together to produce 6 million large photodiodes, which are big enough to absorb light in the darkest of conditions, to produce low-light shots of extraordinary quality with minimal noise and grain; and
• Wide Dynamic Range mode, which captures different exposures with two sets of six million pixels, which, when combined, gives an excellent level of detail in highlights that would otherwise be lost.

Shooting modes on the Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR
Like all great compacts, the Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR lets the photographer decide the best shooting mode. On AUTO, the camera deploys 12 million pixels and operates like other standard high-class compacts. On MANUAL, the aperture and shutter speed can be chosen independently, while PROGRAM mode offers a choice of Program AE and Aperture Priority AE. In EXR Mode, the photographer can choose which sensor setting is preferable for the subject to be photographed by choosing High Resolution Priority (HR) to maximise resolution, High ISO and Low Noise Priority (SN) for high quality low-light work or D-Range Priority (DR) for the best detail with contrasty subjects. The photographer can let the camera choose the best sensor mode by using the revolutionary EXR AUTO mode, which is the most efficient mechanism yet invented to quickly optimise the camera’s settings to allow the photographer to concentrate on capturing the perfect shot.

Fujifilm FinePix F200 features a EXR AUTO mode
The FinePix F60fd was the first digital camera to introduce SR Auto, allowing photographers to let the camera determine the settings to ensure correct exposure, colour reproduction and lighting. The Fujifilm F200 EXR takes the next technological step by combining Scene Recognition Auto with an EXR AUTO mode by automatically and intelligently choosing the correct Super CCD EXR Mode in conjunction with a range of other controls (exposure, focus, white balance etc). EXR Auto offers six modes to choose from: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Backlit Portrait, Night, and Night Portrait. As an example, Night Portrait sets the sensor in High Sensitivity (SN) Priority and uses Face Detection to give a perfect exposure and focus on the face, and flash control to balance foreground and background illumination. The FinePix F200EXR still retains Fujifilm’s other popular exposure modes, like Natural Light + Flash (giving the user a choice of flash ‘on’ or flash ‘off’ shots) or Natural Light, great for candid portraits when powerful flash might be intrusive.

Film Simulation Modes on the Fujifilm F200 EXR
Photographic versatility is stretched yet further with the addition of six Film Simulation modes. Producing beautiful images is something which is in the very DNA of Fujifilm, and Fujifilm engineers are determined to leverage the considerable strengths gained through years of perfecting film to making the best sensor possible. Introduced to compacts for the very first time, the Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR offers Velvia mode for rich and luscious landscapes, Provia mode for excellent, sharp, standard photography, Astia mode for soft, fine, smooth tonality, Black and White for dramatic monochromes and Sepia for a warm-toned period look.

Display taken photos on an HDTV
Images captured by the Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR look breathtaking when displayed on an HDTV. With standard HD cameras, HD-out means pictures can de displayed in the correct aspect ratio in excellent resolution. But with the Fujifilm F200EXR, noise and grain in the shadows is hardly noticeable while highlights, so often poor with conventional cameras, can be seen in excellent detail. And colour, sometimes washed out and insipid, looks bold and dramatic, especially when Film Simulation modes are used.

Fujifilm F200EXR features a 5x zoom lens
The Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR is fitted with the same sharp lens that made its predecessor such a winner. With its precision optics and massive x 5 zoom range, from wide 28mm to long telephoto of 140 mm, the optic delivers sharp, crisp pictures to the sensor every time. And with CCD shift stabilisation combined with Picture Stabilisation, shots will be blur-free time after time, even in the most difficult of conditions. The Fujifilm F200 EXR can shoot up to ISO 12800 meaning fast shutter speeds can be used even in gloomy conditions. Finally, to help with quick focusing, the Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR is fitted with Fujifilm’s patented Face Detection 3.0, which is regarded to be the most accurate and speedy on the market. Faces can be ‘found’, at any angle, in less than 0.036 seconds.

Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR review
As soon as we receive a Fujifilm FinePix F200 EXR test sample, we will publish a picture gallery with high resolution photos, followed by an extended Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR review.